In 2019, Google made a groundbreaking announcement for the hearing aid industry with the release of Android 10. This update introduced Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA), a protocol that enabled Android devices to stream audio directly into hearing aids via Bluetooth Low Energy. Since then, many major hearing aid manufacturers, including Signia, ReSound, Widex, Oticon, and Starkey, have integrated the ASHA protocol into their Bluetooth-enabled devices. However, not all of these devices offer the same level of performance.
In this guide, we'll explore how Bluetooth streaming works with Android devices, examining its advantages and limitations. We’ll also review some of the leading hearing aids designed for seamless Android streaming.
First some quick background.
I’ll keep the technical details to a minimum, but there are a couple of key Bluetooth connection methods for Android phones:
- ASHA for Android: Specifically designed by Android to facilitate direct communication between hearing aids and phones.
- Bluetooth Classic: The same technology used by standard headphones.
Understanding these approaches will help you make an informed choice about which hearing aid best suits your needs.
Note on Bluetooth Low Energy Audio:
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is expected to become a viable method of streaming within the next 2-3 years. However, it is not yet mainstream and is currently unavailable in most hearing aids.
Which connection approach is best for Android users?
Let's take a closer look at both options.
Bluetooth Classic (only available with Phonak and Sennheiser)
- Allows hands-free calling and simultaneous connection to multiple devices like your computer, TV, or car speaker.
- Notifications are harder to control and can be annoying because your phone thinks these hearing aids are regular headphones. Some users complain that an incoming text message shifts the hearing aids out of listening mode for a second and interrupts the flow of conversation or focus.
- Typically easier to set up on your Android phone.
ASHA (available in most other Bluetooth hearing aids)
- Allows for more fine-tuning of notifications.
- Requires that you hold your phone close while streaming a call to capture the sound of your voice. The sound of the person on the other end of the call will play into your ears, but your phone acts as the microphone for your voice.
- Your hearing aids can only connect to one device at a time using the accessibility section of your phone.
What’s the difference between Android and iPhone hearing aid connections?
Both Android and iPhone protocols (MFI and ASHA) are technically very similar, with one major exception: iPhone allows hands-free audio (your hearing aids act as the microphone), while ASHA does not have that capability.
Other helpful resources for Android users.
Not sure if your phone is compatible with hearing aids? Nearly all phones made in the last few years should be compatible. Use the pages below to double check:
Jabra, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, Widex, Phonak
If you are trying to connect your Android device to a pair of hearing aids using ASHA, follow these instructions. 👇
- Open your device's Settings app
- Tap Accessibility
- Tap Hearing aids
- Tap Continue
- Tap Pair new device.
- Choose your hearing aid from the list of available devices. Make sure hearing aids are in pairing mode. If you have more than one hearing aid, wait for the first hearing aid to connect, then tap the other hearing aid in the list of available devices. After both are paired, the status displays a message like "Active, left and right."
With all that out of the way, let’s get into the best Android-compatible Bluetooth hearing aids in 2024.
#1. Phonak Audéo Lumity
Phonak hearing aids use Bluetooth Classic to connect with compatible phones. This connection strategy allows hands-free calling among Android hearing aid users.
Phonak Lumity hearing aids are new in August 2022 and replace the world's most popular hearing aid (Audéo Paradise).
Lumity get’s top marks from audiologists for stable Bluetooth connection, precise customization and impressive accessories like the Phonak Roger Pen.
Think of this hearing aid as the Mercedes level. High-end, built by the world's largest hearing company and packed with all the tech you could want.
- Overall Notes: Audéo Lumity is the #1 hearing aid on the market by sales volume. It offers best-in-class Bluetooth streaming, powerful sound algorithms, remote care, and an innovative ear vent. If you can swing the cost for this premium device, chances are that you'll be very happy.
- Price: The national average price for Phonak Lumity is $6,213 per pair. In my price research I found two larger providers who offer lower prices starting at $3,195/pair. Click here for more on prices.
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth and hands-free calling, behind the ear style, motion sensors
- What audiologists say: “Our patients say that the sound is clear and crisp, while maintaining natural sound quality. Patients also love the unique ability to pair with almost any cell phone and take calls hands-free.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Top of the line customization, Bluetooth connection and rechargeable batteries
Enhanced background noise reduction
Highly water-resistant option available for active lifestyles
Audeo Lumity is a premium product with an average price of $3,198 - $7,000 per pair
Phonak manages sound quality in a way that can lead to a "closed off" feeling compared to Oticon or ReSound's more open sound quality
#2. Sennheiser All Day Clear
Sennheiser All Day Clear stands out as one of our top direct-to-consumer picks. Priced under $1,000 per pair, these devices are crafted by Sonova, the same company behind Phonak Lumity. They’re particularly well-suited for Android users, thanks to Sonova's signature Bluetooth classic connection, which ensures smooth hands-free calling across a variety of Android devices.
In August 2023, Sennheiser unveiled a new OTC hearing aid expected to compete with industry leaders like Bose, Sony, and Jabra. Sennheiser All-Day Clear is a full-featured hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming, hands-free calls (both Android and iPhone, an onboard hearing test, and easy to use app.
Our team tested All-Day Clear and compared it with Sonova's flagship brands - Phonak and Unitron. Our verdict? All-Day Clear has a few missing bells and whistles, but the differences are not dealbreakers. The perfect candidate for All-Day Clear has mild-to-moderate hearing loss, is comfortable using a smartphone, and wants Sonova-made technology for a budget price.
How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Sennheiser here at Soundly
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments, Sennheiser's technical team and give you some technical advice, but is not highly trained in hearing health matters.
- Overall notes: Based on our reviews, this hearing aid is the most complete offering in the over-the-counter market so far.
- Price: $999 for All-Day Clear with complimentary setup care through Soundly
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth Streaming for iPhone and Android users, Excellent Programming app, Behind-The-Ear Style
Underlying technology and sound-processing from Sonova (top global manufacturer)
Self-fitting using the Sennheiser app
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Customer support is limited to tech troubleshooting Vs. remote programming
Only comes in one color scheme
More expensive than some other OTC competitors
#2. Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select is our pick for the best overall value in the category. Jabra's hearing aids use ASHA to connect to Android devices. Their newest model, Jabra Enhance Select 500 uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio which should connect to hearing aids more seamlessly in the future.
Jabra Enhance Select hearing aids are made by the world's 4th largest hearing aid manufacturer (ReSound). Jabra Enhance (originally called Lively) made a name for itself by recreating the full-service audiology service online.
Instead of requiring you to come into their office, Jabra reduces the cost by programming remotely and shipping to your home.
All Jabra products come with a 100-day return policy and 3 years of unlimited remote care. You can find the same product for sale at a local clinic for around $4,500.
Get started by filling out Jabra's online survey via the right-hand corner of their website.
- Overall notes: If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, are on a budget, and want a hearing professional to program your hearing aids to match your hearing loss, this is one of the most compelling products on the market.
- Price: $1,395 for a pair of battery-powered - $1,695 for a pair of rechargeable, $1,995 for enhanced sound quality
- Features: Rechargeable, Bluetooth (not hands-free), Behind The Ear Style
- What audiologists say: “Their audiologists can personalize and program Jabra hearing aids in real-time; highlighting the benefits of telehealth and competent professionals.” - Garrett Thompson, AuD
One of the most affordable and convenient ways to purchase online while maintaining professional care
Comes with a 100 day free-return period
Offers rechargeable batteries and Bluetooth streaming
Remote care requires users to be somewhat tech savvy
Jabra only offers styles that sit behind the ear
#3. Starkey Genesis AI
Starkey makes the best in-the-ear hearing aid with Bluetooth. Their smallest (IIC) hearing aid does not have Bluetooth, but the next size up (CIC) is impressively close to invisible and streams to Android devices through ASHA.
Starkey released a brand new family of hearing aids in late February of 2023. Starkey Genesis AI replaces Starkey's Evolv AI lineup which was intruduced just a year earlier. Genesis is re-built from the ground up with some mind-blowing features like live translation and fitness tracking.
Genesis boasts the longest-lasting rechargeable battery on the market, with up to 51 hours on a single charge. Most people are fine with 20 hours, but this extra battery life could mean a weekend camping trip without a charge.
- Overall Notes: Starkey Genesis AI has more tech features than any other brand of hearing aid. If you can afford the premium price and lead an active lifestyle, this product is a great choice.
- Price: The national average price for Starkey Genesis is $7,350 per pair. I found some national providers with prices as low as $3,598/pair. Click here for more on prices.
Features: Full range of styles and features including Bluetooth, rechargeability, and fitness tracking. - What audiologists say: “Starkey Genesis AI is a solid receiver-in-canal hearing aid option. It is jam-packed with technology; any techy or tinkerer would love it." - Garrett Thompson, AuD
Great features like AI
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Can be tempermental
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#5. Lucid Engage
Lucid Engage is a welcome example of a budget-friendly OTC hearing aid with Bluetooth streaming capabilities. Engage uses ASHA to connect with Android devices.
Lucid Hearing is an under-the-radar brand in the OTC market but has some of the strongest technology and experience. The brand is best known as the manufacturer behind all of the Sam's Club hearing center hearing aids.
The brand released two impressive OTC devices in late 2022. Engage is Lucid's rechargeable, Bluetooth enabled and self-fit hearing aid that sits behind the ear. The product comes in several colors and has one of the most stable Bluetooth connections due to a patented antenna.
- How it works:
✔️ Start by purchasing Lucid Engage hearing aids online.
✔️ Once the product arrives at your home, you'll download the app and self-program the hearing aids to match your hearing loss.
✔️ If you need further adjustments you can take your hearing aids to a nearby Sam’s Club for free service or call Lucid’s hearing specialists.
- Price: $799 for a pair
- Features: Rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth streaming enabled for Android and iPhone, fully customized to your hearing loss using an app, behind the ear style.
Bluetooth streaming for iPhone and Android
Rechargeable
Self-fit
Packaging and recharge case are less sleek than Bose and Sony
How to Choose an Android-Compatible Hearing Aid.
When selecting an Android-compatible hearing aid, it’s not just the technology that you'll want to keep in mind. It is also important to understand your preferred care model. There are two main paths that consumers take for hearing care:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids: These are typically more affordable and are designed for self-direction. They offer convenience and are a good option if you prefer a more independent approach to managing your hearing care. Sennheiser and Lucid are examples of OTC devices that work well with Android phones.
- Prescription Hearing Aids: These hearing aids are professionally customized to fit your specific hearing needs. They often provide a more tailored experience at a higher cost. Phonak devices stand out for Android users who prefer prescription care. Consider ReSound NEXIA as a potential runner up based on their use of Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.
When Will Bluetooth Low Energy Audio Matter?
Bluetooth Low Energy Audio is gradually being integrated into phones and hearing aids. Currently, the industry still relies heavily on ASHA (for Android) and MFI (for iPhone) due to the technology’s evolving nature.
However, the future looks promising. In the next 2-3 years, we anticipate a shift towards a more universal standard that will enhance compatibility across all devices, reducing the need for specific hearing aids optimized for Android or Apple devices. This transition will likely make the experience more seamless and standardized.
Are There In-Ear, OTC Hearing Aids That Stream From Android Devices?
If you are an Android shopper on the hunt for a pair of in-ear hearing aids that stream from Android devices you will likely need to look to the prescription market. We recommend Starkey Genesis AI for the brand's leadership in custom-molded devices.
Eargo LINK is the only reputable OTC, in-ear device that we know of which seamlessly streams from Android phones.
Other earbud-style devices, Sony CRE-E10 and Jabra Enhance Plus are only available through iPhone at this time.
Final Thoughts
Most modern hearing aids are compatible with both Android and iPhone devices. For now, Sonova-made products, including those from Sennheiser and Phonak, tend to offer superior performance and integration, particularly with Android devices.
If you have any questions about compatibility or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. You can contact us via text at 213-460-1310.
